Bollywood’s 10 Low Budget Movies Which Became Blockbusters

8 THE LUNCHBOX

‘The Lunchbox’, starring Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles, is one of those rare cinematic masterpieces of Hindi cinema which are not produced very often in Bollywood. A very niche in its nature, the film received favorable response from the critics as well as the viewers. The same was shown in the box-office numbers also. Despite releasing in around 400 screens all over India, the movie minted Rs. 1.25 crores on its opening day, something which the makers would have not thought even in their wildest dreams. After registering an impressive opening day collection, the film soared further on its second day and pulled in Rs. 2.6 crores at the box-office. The film had so far taken its total collections to Rs. 3.85 crores at the domestic box office. On its first Sunday, it became even stronger and made an income of Rs. 3.15 crores. The film continued to earn significant amount over the next few weeks also.

A simple and sweet love story which takes off with the mix-up of a lunchbox touched the right chord of the audience. It was one of those few films where the audience roots for the coming-together of the lead pair, despite knowing it well their destiny would not allow the same to happen. Backed by a strong story and outstanding performances, the film put up an excellent show at the ticket window throughout its run. An independent film directed by Ritesh Batra with its making cost shared by the producers of France and Germany and, of course, India surprised one and all. Made on a budget of mere Rs. 9 crores, the film earned over Rs. 100 crores worldwide. Woohoo! This was a figure which even many mainstream films boasting of the most salable stars cannot produce.

TRIVIA: ‘The Lunchbox’ was India’s official entry to the BAFTA Awards, 2015.